An older patient with terminal cancer is considering hospice care but is concerned that Medicare will stop payments if the care is provided for longer than 6 months. What can the nurse respond to this patient? Select all that apply.

Question

1. Medicare does not limit the hospice benefit.
2. Medicare regulations discourage a longer use of the benefit.
3. Hospice costs more than traditional hospital or long-term care.
4. Patient may enroll when the life expectancy is 6 months or less.
5. Hospice supports the family for 6 months after the patient's death.

Answer 1

1. Medicare does not limit the hospice benefit.
2. Medicare regulations discourage a longer use of the benefit.
4. Patient may enroll when the life expectancy is 6 months or less.

Explanation: 1. Medicare law does not limit the hospice benefit.
2. Medicare regulations often discourage a patient from using hospice for longer than 6 months.
3. Hospice costs less than traditional hospital or long-term care.
4. Patients may enroll when their physician judges their life expectancy to be 6 months or less.
5. Hospice supports all family members during the illness and supports the family for 1 year after the death.